Former Redskins coach Joe Bugel dead at age of 80

June 28, 2020

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins announced today that former coach Joe Bugel passed away today at the age of 80. Bugel, regarded as one of the greatest offensive line coaches in NFL history, was the team’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1981-82 under Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs and became the team’s assistant head coach in 1983.  He remained in that capacity until 1989 when he became the head coach of the Phoenix Cardinals. Bugel returned for a second stint with the team as assistant head coach-offense during Gibbs’ second run with the team from 2004-09.

Bugel was a part of three of Washington’s four Super Bowl runs, including the 1983 and 1988 victories, and is considered to be the principal architect of the Redskins’ famed “Hogs” offensive line that included Hall of Famer Russ Grimm, Hall of Fame finalist Joe Jacoby, Pro Bowlers Jeff Bostic and Mark May, and others.

In his first nine years of service with the team, he helped the Redskins’ offense produce four 1,000-yard rushers, one 4,000-yard passer and nine 1,000-yard receivers.  During his second stint with the team, Bugel was instrumental in the development and success of famed tackle Chris Samuels who was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls under Bugel’s tutelage. His front also helped RB Clinton Portis become one of the NFL’s premier running backs of the decade. Under Bugel’s direction, the Redskins had a 1,000-plus yard rusher in five consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2008.

Bugel’s offensive front led the Redskins to consecutive Top 10 finishes in rushing yards per game in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. In 2005, the Redskins ranked seventh in the NFL and averaged 136.4 yards per game. The following season, Washington ranked fourth in the NFL with an average of 138.5 yards per contest. Additionally, in 2006, the Redskins’ offensive line allowed just 19 sacks, third lowest in the league.

In total, Bugel coached in the NFL for 32 seasons.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder stated, “I am absolutely devastated by the news of Joe’s passing. Joe was a larger than life figure and a true legend of his profession. He exemplified what it meant to be a Redskin with his character and ability to connect with his players along with a work ethic that was unmatched. We shared a special bond and he was a great friend. He was a man who not only gave me a better understanding of the game of football, but who also gave me perspective on what is truly important in life. I absolutely adored him and will miss him terribly. Tanya and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Brenda and the entire Bugel family during this time.”

Gibbs also reacted to the news, stating, “Joe had an incredible passion for the game of football. He came to work every day with such great excitement and his players had tremendous respect for him. The strength of our coaching staff on both sides of the ball was a key reason we had so much success. Bugel was such a big part of that and his impact was felt not only by those Redskins’ teams, but truly across the entire League. I will miss his friendship and I will always cherish our late-night arguments putting together the game plan each week. Pat and I will be praying for his wife Brenda, his girls, and their entire family.”

Bugel is survived by his wife, Brenda, and daughters Angie and Jennifer.  His daughter, Holly Bugel, passed away in 2008.

Rest in peace.